Vip experience how was it?

[ahhwhatHhn]

Yea guys I'm debating on doing fol or vip. Can anyone tell me what it was like after you got into the park? I.e what was lounge like how was the tour. And of course thank you.

Edited September 18, 2014 by ahhwhatHhn

[DTH316]

I suggest you look at the planning & tips page. Lots of VIP stories there.

[foodstampsFTW]

I don't think there's a backlot tour this year, they're just going to take you to the backlot mazes and the terror tram, so I'd honestly say it comes down to how much you value unlimited FOL and an unlimited buffet. I liked the lounge food last year and it was a nice place to relax. If your willing to shell out the cash I'd personally recommend it, I liked not having to rush to make sure I do everything it was nice to have a relaxed hhn walkthrough and with multiple vista to each house, I could really appreciate the detail

[UniversalStudiosGeek]

Copy and pasted from another thread

I have done VIP since 2011 and each year is fairly different with 2013 being the best VIP experience. Every year the tour had progressively more scares. Expect VIP tour this year to be basically a nighttime version of the studio tour with two stops at Terror Tram and the 3 backlot mazes. Also when considering VIP remember the unlimited FOL basically gives you free reign over HHN.

Last year when we did VIP we used the small VIP trolley to get around and the tour guide said we can split up with the group to do our own thing or stay with them after we finished the backlot mazes.

I'll give you a run down of each years VIP so you know what to expect

2011: We met at the VIP lounge for the 700 tour and we drove on a single tram. Drove through the metropolitan sets and it was almost pitch black. I expected some scares but there weren't any. After that we got the story of La Llorona at the flash flood area and the flash flood went off. After that they dropped us off at 6 points texas with no street lights on (but you do get a flashlight). It was pretty creepy walking through six points texas while the tour guide was telling some scary stories that happened in the Backlot and sing your dim flashlight into the dark saloons. There were no scareactors (just like the tour guide said) so it was basically "left up to interpretation". After we walked about 5 mins or so the guide picked us up and they drove to Terror Tram and the VIP tour was over. The VIP "Vampire" lounge in 2011 was at the Parisian Square and it was a full buffet or anything but it had tasty snacks (and free refreshments). The best part of the lounge in 2011 was the Vampire woman stuck in the glass cage with rats. Overall a cool tour but felt like it was missing something.

2012: We got to HHN early so we got a 645 meetup. They gave a new video saying they were giving us a guide on the backlot exclusively for VIP and will be for the Universal 100th aniversary. Got into the single Tram and headed off to do a lot of what we did in 2011 (flash flood, ghost stories). They dropped us off at Old Mexico. We walked to Amity and we followed the tour guide while she was telling ghost stories. They you hear it *bang* at the door 20 ft away from you. Kinda creepy at first. *BANG* Again! It just started getting repetitive and lame. After that we did Terror Tram and the VIP tour was over. Lounge was moved to a new location and wasn't as good as 2011.

2013: This was the best year for the VIP tour. We got a 710 tour time so we hung at the VIP lounge till then and we got to see the opening scaremonies from the second floor balcony. That was really cool watching. The tour guide said we have to follow her through the Purge Scarezones all the way to the Terror Tram loading area. We walked to the loading area and got into the trolley and started the tour. The tour guide told the story about the old "lady" from Insidious and set the tone for the tour a little bit. We stopped by Amity where we were going to watch a paranormal investigation first hand. We were stopped by investigators and they gave the card you get saying the password at the Insidious maze. It says something on the back under a blacklight but I forgot what it says. They take us in front of a building and a projection show goes off with Darth Maul climbing on the side of the building. Then the Old Lady jumps out and we GTFO there. While we were fast walking away multiple Old ladys and bushman came out of nowhere. It was a lot more scareactors than the VIP video on youtube. Probably one of my most scary HHN experiences. Anyways we get on the tour and they take us to the backlot mazes and then the Terror Tram and it's over. The lounge was a lot better with more food choices than 2011/2012.

So there are my experiences for each year of VIP starting at 2011. This year they are doing an exclusive Scarezones (where?) and having a DJ (why?) and a buffet like last year. I expect this year's VIP to be a hybrid if 2011 and 2013's tour. 2011 type tour with 2013 lounge and backlot mazes.

Is it worth it? I'd say yes. To me it's the definitive way to experience HHN Hollywood and you won't regret it.

[ahhwhatHhn]

Thank you guys

[instamatic]

I did it last year and am doing it again tomorrow night. I personally think VIP is worth the money if you have it to spend. I like being able to go through all of the mazes multiple times and it's nice to have a lounge to retreat to for a minute when you want to relax. It's really all about the unlimited front of the line for me. I usually only make it to HHN once a year so for me it's worth the money to get to experience everything repeatedly and get my fill

[onlykruger]

VIP not really worth it. Had it last night and am not satisfied. Lounge food has gotten a touch worse. Your dinner is timed and you can only eat once. the special scare zone consists of 4 tombstones and a few scarators. there is no special backlot tour but they do shuttle you to the backlot once whereas non VIPs have to walk. VIP and FOL was sold out yesterday which jammed the FOL line; we had to wait for clowns, avp, awil, fdtd, and awil. the only reason you should go for vip this year is if you want unlimited FOL as there are no other perks.

[UniversalStudiosGeek]

VIP not really worth it. Had it last night and am not satisfied. Lounge food has gotten a touch worse. Your dinner is timed and you can only eat once. the special scare zone consists of 4 tombstones and a few scarators. there is no special backlot tour but they do shuttle you to the backlot once whereas non VIPs have to walk. VIP and FOL was sold out yesterday which jammed the FOL line; we had to wait for clowns, avp, awil, fdtd, and awil. the only reason you should go for vip this year is if you want unlimited FOL as there are no other perks.

Wow no VIP tour? How disappointing...

[HorrorNightsFan13]

I did VIP tour last Saturday, it was not a disappointment, because I was already disappointed by it. The good things were the unlimited FOL and the lounge. The Scarezone sucked and eventually the actors just flooded out into mask a raid. My guide couldn't go 5 minutes with out a headcount which delayed us a lot. The whole thing, backlot and terror team took about an hour. I could get all of that done in half the time. If you want to do VIP again just don't sign up for the tour thing, go in, eat, do your own thing. Honestly would've made a much better experience for me.

[DTH316]

This year's VIP sounds really bad, especially in comparison to last year when they amped it up to a completely exclusive experience. I mean, at least gradually step away from it by going back to regular tours, but cutting off tours completely without warning is a jerk move by Uni, especially since they're charging even more this year.

[AsylumSB]

I loved VIP this year! Best overall experience since 2011. I never thought VIP was designed to fly through the event at record pace, nor did I find having more "things" to do was a plus. After attending this year, I realized that doing the backlot tour bogged down a significant part of the event. Yes, Insidious VIP from 2013 was fun and much different from VIP in the past, but this year, we found ourselves doing more of what was already offered with the unlimited VIP. I loved repeating mazes as it helped me retain memories for what I experienced and provided a second look for details I may have missed or differences in cast.

Since the lounge and scarezone were connected, this part of VIP felt refined, tighter and efficient. It was organized well, the food was great, and our tour was about an hour after the dinner. We were able to get done with Clowns, AWIL, Minion Mayhem, and Dracula even before going to the lounge. The scarezone was fun, the scareactors were both interactive and scary, and the decorations were plentiful. The lighting and fog added a moody atmosphere.

The tram down to the backlot mazes was more of a plus than I thought after treking back there later in the evening. What a hike!

[Hatchet]

I loved VIP this year! Best overall experience since 2011. I never thought VIP was designed to fly through the event at record pace, nor did I find having more "things" to do was a plus. After attending this year, I realized that doing the backlot tour bogged down a significant part of the event. Yes, Insidious VIP from 2013 was fun and much different from VIP in the past, but this year, we found ourselves doing more of what was already offered with the unlimited VIP. I loved repeating mazes as it helped me retain memories for what I experienced and provided a second look for details I may have missed or differences in cast.

Since the lounge and scarezone were connected, this part of VIP felt refined, tighter and efficient. It was organized well, the food was great, and our tour was about an hour after the dinner. We were able to get done with Clowns, AWIL, Minion Mayhem, and Dracula even before going to the lounge. The scarezone was fun, the scareactors were both interactive and scary, and the decorations were plentiful. The lighting and fog added a moody atmosphere.

The tram down to the backlot mazes was more of a plus than I thought after treking back there later in the evening. What a hike!

So the tram part of the VIP experience just takes you to the back lot for 3 mazes then to the terror tram where as the guests have to walk to the back lot mazes? I read in an earlier comment on this thread that someone said they had to stop every 5 minutes on the tram for a head count and I was trying to figure out why that was if there was no tour this year? Can you or someone else clarify on this better for me as I'm debating on spending the extra money and refunding my FOL passes and getting VIP passes. And if I do upgrade to VIP should I skip the VIP tram ride all together.

From what I understand when you get to the front gate and pick up your VIP passes you pick a dinner time and a tram ride time? Then you can only go into the lounge once at that time you pick?

[AsylumSB]

1. There is a tram ride to the backlot and Terror Tram. VIP guests are escorted through all these attractions by a tour guide. Everyone else walks to and from the backlot.

2. The tour guide just keeps track of the amount of guests assigned to their party before they enter each maze and to ensure they are not left behind on the tram. There were very few delays. In fact, we moved ahead after a quick restroom break even when two people did not return on time. They were able to catch up with our group a short time later.

3. As noted above, I highly recommend VIP, but it all comes down to your preferences. The unlimited FOL is the biggest perk and you don't have the worry of early access, sticking to a game plan, etc.

4. Unless it changed from last week, you get your lanyard and pre-assigned dinner time when you check in at the front gate. We arrived at the lounge about 10 minutes early and walked right in. You will be assigned a tour time when you check-in for dinner. Later on, we went back to the lounge to get dessert and something to drink.

Hope this helps.

Edited September 26, 2014 by AsylumSB

[HorrorNightsFan13]

It was me saying that my tour guide did a head count every 5 minutes. Before we went in the Gate A line, before the maze, after, repeat. And atleast 4 times on terror tram. It just got annoying. But not every guide is like that.

[Hatchet]

Thanks guys so much definitely clarified for me and I think I am gonna take the plunge and spend the extra money for 2 people I don't think I will regret it.

[ahhwhatHhn]

Yea I'm deffenitly gonna go vip thanks guy for the info

[MrMittman]

Question -- how early can you valet park for the VIP tour? If I arrive mid-afternoon to hang out in CityWalk for a few hours, will the valet stand be open yet?

Also, are you cut off after two drinks in the VIP lounge? Or after you get your two free ones does it become a cash bar?

[ahhwhatHhn]

@mrmittman I believe it's two drink maximum. Two drink cut off.

[MrMittman]

Totally fair -- just such a different event from HHN @ USF (which I've been to over a dozen times). You can't walk through a queue there without an opportunity to buy a beer.

Just out of curiosity, was there an incident that caused this at USH? Did they ever sell alcohol in the past?

[ahhwhatHhn]

During regular hours it's the same way with every line having an opportunity to buy beer. But I think USH knows it's demographic. Aka we all have a lil savage in us.

[DTH316]

No incidents necessarily, I think we all just learned our lesson. KSF has cooled down on the alcohol offerings as well.

[zombieman]

This year was a big change to VIP from previous. You are getting a lot less this year than in previous years, for the same money.

Downgrades this year:

* "Unlimited" dining in the lounge. I put this in quotes because I think you can technically get back in later in the night. I mean, your pass has a dining time written on it, but they don't take it from you and don't mark you as having been through. So there should be nothing to stop you from showing up a second time ("late") for dinner. Of course, the wording is meant to strongly suggest you are allowed only one entry, so I consider this a downgrade.

* No VIP backlot tour. It was really cool in the past to be able to wander around the real backlot in pitch blackness with just a flashlight.

* No discount at the Studio Store - in past years, you got a 10%-20% discount on HHN merchandise the evening of your visit. This was potentially substantial in value.

"Upgrades" this year:

* A VIP tour guide to get you through every house. I see no added value in this. Personally, I would consider myself to be slowed down if I had to stick with a group for 4 hours of the evening. In reality, you can leave any time you want.

* Private scarezone - 30 feet of walkway and 4 scareactors from a nearby zone does not a scarezone make. No value whatsoever.

* A (one-way) tram to the backlot houses - Seriously? This is a VIP perk? No value at all.

So to answer whether VIP is worth it, you really need to put a value on three things:

1) Valet parking. Yes, it's a $35 freebie, but you would have just paid for regular parking anyway, so it's worth $15. Plus, if you have a carload of 4 VIP passholders, each one of them is PAYING for free valet parking, but only one is GETTING the perk. You want to get your money's worth? Take 4 cars

2) Free dinner. It's a damn good spread. It should easily be worth $30 in the real world and even more in a theme park.

3) Unlimited Front Line Pass. This is what you are really paying for. What value do you place on unlimited entries vs one?

Add those up and compare the result to the cost of a FOTL pass. Is that difference worth it to you?

Then feel REALLY cheated because back in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 the standard FOTL pass was good for unlimited entries into houses. They changed the policy to the one-time-use starting in 2011.

Edited October 2, 2014 by zombieman

[DTH316]

Not only that, the unlimited use FOL was ONLY $69 - 89!!!!

Granted there's more mazes now, but that's basically the cost of a non-discounted ticket these days.

FOL, more like FML!

[UniversalStudiosGeek]

Not only that, the unlimited use FOL was ONLY $69 - 89!!!!

Granted there's more mazes now, but that's basically the cost of a non-discounted ticket these days.

FOL, more like FML!

Oh yeah! FOL was so cheap back then. It was totally worth every penny and I'm pretty sure you got a discount using FOL back then too!

I heard VIP pre2011 took you through SS 28 that would have been a cool experience.

[AsylumSB]

This year was a big change to VIP from previous. You are getting a lot less this year than in previous years, for the same money.

Downgrades this year:

* "Unlimited" dining in the lounge. I put this in quotes because I think you can technically get back in later in the night. I mean, your pass has a dining time written on it, but they don't take it from you and don't mark you as having been through. So there should be nothing to stop you from showing up a second time ("late") for dinner. Of course, the wording is meant to strongly suggest you are allowed only one entry, so I consider this a downgrade.

* No VIP backlot tour. It was really cool in the past to be able to wander around the real backlot in pitch blackness with just a flashlight.

* No discount at the Studio Store - in past years, you got a 10%-20% discount on HHN merchandise the evening of your visit. This was potentially substantial in value.

"Upgrades" this year:

* A VIP tour guide to get you through every house. I see no added value in this. Personally, I would consider myself to be slowed down if I had to stick with a group for 4 hours of the evening. In reality, you can leave any time you want.

* Private scarezone - 30 feet of walkway and 4 scareactors from a nearby zone does not a scarezone make. No value whatsoever.

* A (one-way) tram to the backlot houses - Seriously? This is a VIP perk? No value at all.

So to answer whether VIP is worth it, you really need to put a value on three things:

1) Valet parking. Yes, it's a $35 freebie, but you would have just paid for regular parking anyway, so it's worth $15. Plus, if you have a carload of 4 VIP passholders, each one of them is PAYING for free valet parking, but only one is GETTING the perk. You want to get your money's worth? Take 4 cars

2) Free dinner. It's a damn good spread. It should easily be worth $30 in the real world and even more in a theme park.

3) Unlimited Front Line Pass. This is what you are really paying for. What value do you place on unlimited entries vs one?

Add those up and compare the result to the cost of a FOTL pass. Is that difference worth it to you?

Then feel REALLY cheated because back in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 the standard FOTL pass was good for unlimited entries into houses. They changed the policy to the one-time-use starting in 2011.

Very nice. I agree with the value aspect to your post. For me, I thought VIP was more efficient and "tighter". Was able to accomplish more of what I wanted than in years past. Highly recommend going early in the season. The reduced price is worth it.